New PA Budget To Be Released Tuesday: What You Can Expect

PENNSYLVANIA — Gov. Josh Shapiro is slated to deliver his second budget proposal to state lawmakers Tuesday, complete with anticipated boosts for K-12 public schools, transit, agriculture, manufacturing and small businesses.

Shapiro has teased other elements of his budget plan in the last few weeks, including state economic development programs, bolstering college affordability and doubling the state’s grant program for local fire and EMS departments.

The speech will be aired live at 12:30 p.m. from the Capitol Rotunda and will be live streamed on the governor’s Facebook page.

The education enhancements are in line with recommendations dolled out by the Basic Education Funding Commission, which noted Pennsylvania K-12 schools are underfunded by $5.4 billion and should work to close the gap immediately over the next seven years. That report also included a recommendation to funnel $1.3 billion more next year to public schools, including subsidies for school construction and high-tax districts. Read more: PA Schools' $5B Funding Gap Detailed In New Commission Report

Shapiro is also expected to double down on his efforts to raise the state’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 and propose lowering taxes given the state’s financial cushion. Shapiro’s 10-year economic development plan announced last week is also still on the table, which includes attracting big businesses to the Keystone State and developing commercial and industrial sites in five key industries: agriculture, energy, life sciences, manufacturing and robotics and technology.

Last month also marked Shapiro’s proposal of nearly $300 million in added public transit funds across the state (a 1.75 percent increase) and a new funding formula for state higher education institutions.

“Given the focus that will be on our city from across the world with upcoming events like the America250 celebration, MLB All Star Game and FIFA World Cup tournament matches, it’s crucial that we get this right for a clean, safe and reliable system,” Philadelphia House Delegation Chairwoman Rep. Morgan Cephas said in a statement.

The higher education affordability blueprint also calls for consolidating the oversight of two- and four-year institutions under a new governance system, as well as “significant investment” in state and community colleges.

“After 30 years of disinvestment, too many of our colleges and universities are running on empty and not enough students have affordable pathways through college and into good jobs,” Shapiro said in a statement.

“Pennsylvania spends less on higher education than every other state except for New Hampshire – that means the financial burden of higher education falls on our institutions and students, who are forced to cut services, raise tuition, and take on more debt.”

Budget hearings will begin in two weeks to address departmental-level spending plans outlined in Shapiro’s address. Following budget negotiations, the governor plans to sign the final 2024-25 budget by June 30.

With reporting by the Associated Press.